Mannarino, Thompson Book ‘s-Hertogenbosch Final Spots

There will be a first-time ATP Tour titlist at the Libema Open this year.

After rain suspended play at crucial stages in both semi-finals on Saturday night, Adrian Mannarino and Jordan Thompson made quick starts to play on Sunday morning to book their places in the championship match. Leading 4-6, 6-3, 6-6(3/2) overnight, Mannarino claimed four of six points against second seed Borna Coric on Sunday to complete a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) victory.

Mannarino has defeated three seeded players in succession to reach the final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The 30-year-old Frenchman overcame fourth seed Fernando Verdasco in the second round and fifth seed David Goffin in the quarter-finals, before ending Coric’s run in the last four. Mannarino will be aiming to capture his first trophy when he meets Thompson in his seventh ATP Tour championship match (0-6).

Thompson needed just three points to complete his semi-final against defending champion Richard Gasquet. The 25-year-old Australian was serving at 7-5, 5-3(30/40) when rain fell on Saturday, but did not drop a point after resuming play on Sunday to reach his maiden tour-level final. The World No. 62, who improves to 19-11 this season, is projected to crack the Top 50 of the ATP Rankings for the first time on Monday. Thompson was just 1-11 at tour-level last year.

Mannarino enters the final with a 2-1 FedEx ATP Head2Head record against Thompson, which includes two victories on grass. Two years ago, the World No. 44 defeated Thompson 6-4, 6-1 in the first round at this event.

Did You Know?
There have been eight first-time champions on the ATP Tour this season. Either Mannarino or Thompson will add their name to that list by lifting the Libema Open trophy. Felix Auger-Aliassime can also join that group by defeating Matteo Berrettini in the MercedesCup final in Stuttgart.